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The Kingdom of Bahrain : The Middle East ’ s idyllic MICE and business travel destination
A precious gem lies at the heart of the vibrant Middle East region : the Kingdom of Bahrain . Long a destination for business travellers , Bahrain has rapidly ascended to become an idyllic location for the MICE industry and influential event professionals worldwide , especially since the opening of Exhibition World Bahrain ( EWB ) in November 2022 .
Bahrain ’ s strategic location provides a compelling advantage for businesses seeking a base in the Gulf region . Its central position among major trade routes offers easy access to a vast market , along with a cost-effective and businessfriendly environment .
Beyond its established reputation as a business hub , Bahrain entices MICE travellers with a rich array of leisure and entertainment options . From luxurious hotels and historical landmarks to captivating beaches and vibrant retail centres , visitors enjoy a uniquely authentic cultural experience . This blend of strong business infrastructure and captivating leisure activities makes Bahrain an ideal MICE destination .
Located in Sakhir , EWB solidified its position as a leading venue by earning the title of World ’ s Leading New Exhibition and Convention Centre in 2023 . In its first year , EWB attracted a diverse audience of over 800,000 visitors across 186 events , with over 62 % international participation .
The venue offers an expansive capacity of 149,000sqm of flexible indoor and outdoor leasable spaces . Ten versatile , well-equipped exhibition halls feature varying ceiling heights to suit diverse event needs . Three independent entrances , exits , and loading docks , meeting rooms , storage spaces and all the essential technical services – ideal for any event .
EWB ’ s remarkable Grand Hall is a blank canvas for creating unforgettable gatherings . Its modular design and retractable seating allow for seamless transformations , accommodating grand conferences , weddings , concerts , product launches , and more . It can transition from tiered seating to a flat floor layout for up to 4,000 guests . Cutting-edge audiovisual services , translation booths , dedicated Bridal Suites , Artists ’ Rooms , and VIP lounges ensure flawless experiences .
EWB elevates the MICE experience in Bahrain with exceptional inhouse culinary expertise . Dedicated chefs curate bespoke menus for grand events , featuring the diverse flavours of Bahrain alongside fusion and international cuisines . EWB ’ s state-of-the-art kitchen , the largest in the Kingdom , can cater for up to 10,000 guests daily .
Looking ahead , EWB aims to solidify Bahrain ’ s position as a MICE industry leader through strategic collaborations with key international players . This focus on global expansion seeks to attract new business opportunities from targeted markets such as Europe , India , China , the Americas , and the Middle East .
The venue is in high demand , with bookings throughout 2024 and major international events on the horizon – including the prestigious 9th UN Tourism World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism , and Routes World 2024 .
EWB is capitalising on Bahrain ’ s growing reputation as a wedding destination , launching packages with exceptional culinary and bridal services . These packages target a global audience , aiming to make dream weddings a memorable reality for couples , from the GCC , Asia , the Americas and beyond . EW
www . exhibitionworld . co . uk Issue 2 2024 23